Zabul team combats malnutrition, unsafe water

Senior Airman Felicita Torres-Perkins is an Air Force medical technician deployed to the Zabul Provincial Reconstruction Team, or PRT. The Zabul PRT is working with local heath officials in Qalat, Afghanistan, to combat the causes of the high infant mortality rate such as unsanitary water supplies and malnutrition. She is deployed from McGuire Air Force Base, N. J., and wears the scarf in an effort to honor the customs of this region of the country. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Master Sgt. Keith Brown)

Zabul team combats malnutrition, unsafe water

In Qalat, Afghanistan, Senior Airman Felicita Torres-Perkins carries a tray of food supplements for severely malnourished children into the Qalat Hospital Aug. 10. The Zabul Provinicial Reconstruction Team is working with local heath officials to combat the causes of the high infant mortality rate such as unsanitary water supplies and malnutrition. She is deployed from McGuire Air Force Base, N. J., and wears the scarf in an effort to honor the customs of this region of the country. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Keith Brown)

Making a difference: McGuire Airman makes the most of time in Afghanistan

Published Sept. 5, 2008
By Senior Airman Danielle Johnson
305th Air Mobility Wing public affairs

MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- Shock -- it's what Senior Airman Felicita Torres-Perkins said she felt more than once after volunteering for a deployment to Zabul Province in Southeast Afghanistan.

She left behind her duties as an aerospace medical service journeyman with the 305th Medical Group Ambulance Services to join the Provincial Reconstruction Team in efforts to improve medical treatment and to provide food and clean water in a country on the other side of the world.

"It definitely was a culture shock," said Airman Perkins. "The Afghan people live in (extremely austere conditions). To me, it was like going back a couple of centuries."

Airman Perkins said the culture shock was one of the biggest challenges she faced during her seven months on the PRT.

"The women wear burkas, which are veils for the body with a window only for the eyes and there were not any girls' schools here," she explained. "I always wear a scarf to show that I respect their culture, and they come to me very openly when they see that I am wearing a scarf."

As the only female medic in the Zabul PRT, her duties range from daily sick call to combat medic missions. She also provides treatment to women and children with the advice of a doctor, since Afghan culture doesn't allow women to see male American doctors and medics. Airman Perkins also assists with a local midwife program and works to provide nutrition supplements for malnourished children. She said helping others is personally fulfilling.

"The teamwork and team members we have are amazing," said Airman Perkins, who is scheduled to return to McGuire sometime in November or December. "The most rewarding part of the PRT I would say is helping the people. Sometimes you have patients that your whole heart goes out to," she continued. "I feel like I'm only here for a short time, so I might as well try my best to make a difference."

This deployment -- Airman Perkins' first -- has changed her perspective on life and service for the sake of others, she said.

"I am truly grateful for everything I have, and I don't take anything for granted," she said. "Being inside and outside the wire, it makes you think about the way you live life and the sacrifices you make -- not just for yourself or for your family, but for your team, your co-workers and your country."